An updated version of apple pie was the grand prize winner in the 32nd Pillsbury Bake-Off Contest in 1986. The third try was a charm for Mary Lou Warren of Colorado Springs, Colorado. Her creation was “Apple Nut Lattice Tart,” with a filling of Granny Smith apples, golden raisins, crunchy walnuts, and a touch of […]
Clementine Paddleford: An American Original and First Traveling Food Writer
I first “met” Clementine Paddleford on a snowy and cold day at a college bookstore back in the 1970’s where I was supposed to be buying a biochemistry book. Instead, I was drawn to the cookbook sale area where I found Paddleford’s “The Best of American Cooking,” which still has the sticker on the front […]
Jewish Holiday Feasts: Hanukkah
This charming little cookbook is a celebration of Jewish feasts and the wonderful recipes from the major holidays as well as treats to enjoy all year round during observance of the Sabbath. It also includes the history of each holiday and its accompanying dishes. Since Hanukkah is tomorrow, I turned to the chapter and found […]
Childhood Revisited
I just returned with my daughter Kristina from what has been one of the most memorable meals of my entire life. If you have not heard of chef Grant Achatz of Chicago’s “Next” restaurant, just google it. In a nutshell, the chef changes his menu and theme every few months. The first was Paris, then Thailand (I […]
Chocolate Rum Cake for a Holiday Dessert
You can’t miss with serving a chocolate cake for a party, so how about making it a little more festive with the addition of some rum! One-Layer Chocolate Fudge Rum Cake 3/4 cup plus 2 Tablespoons all purpose flour1/2 teaspoon baking powder1/2 teaspoon salt1/4 teaspoon baking soda2 ounces unsweetened chocolate, coarsely chopped1-1/4 cups granulated sugar1 […]
Prime Rib for a Holiday Crowd
Prime rib is as easy as roasting a turkey. This recipe will serve 20 guests, so if you have a crowd coming for the holidays, think about trying a rib roast. Roast Prime Rib of Beef 1 standing rib roast, about 14 pounds2 cloves garlic, cut in halfSaltPepper Heat oven to 450 degrees. Rub meat […]
Christmas in Scandinavia
The holiday atmosphere prevails for a longer time in the Scandinavian countries than in America. The celebration begins from the first day of Advent in early December through Twelfth Night, or St. Knut’s Day on the 13th of January. No wonder the Scandinavians make so many wonderful cookies and breads – they start early! Festivities go on longer […]
I Want to Eat at Mario’s House for Christmas
Since it is highly unlikely I will never actually eat at Mario Batali’s house for Christmas, his cookbook is the next best thing. I am a big Mario fan, and this might be my favorite of his cookbooks because it is filled with his family recipes and those he has collected in Italy. Mario says […]
